Scrap Metal Laws By State

New Jersey Scrap Metal Laws

Payment Restrictions:

New Jersey does NOT have special payment restrictions.

Fingerprinting:

New Jersey does not require fingerprints.

Video Recording:

New Jersey requires facilities to record video using security cameras. Nexus tracks time, dates and weights for each material -- making locating a video for law enforcement extremely easy!

Tag and Hold:

New Jersey requires yards to tag-and-hold certain materials for a period of time to give law enforcement time to locate possibly stolen material matching that description. Once tag-and-hold expires, the material can be recycled. Nexus handles all of this scheduling for you -- 100% automated with no manual input required.

License Scanning:

New Jersey requires each customers drivers license, ID card, consulate ID or passport to be scanned and kept on file. Nexus automates this process by taking a picture of the license, scanning all the data, letting you know when it expires and keeping it on file forever!

Vehicle Descriptions:

New Jersey requires every purchase of scrap metal to also have the customer or drivers vehicle information recorded as part of the transaction. Nexus keeps track of every vehicle for you, as well as the number of occupants!

Taking Photographs of Materials:

New Jersey requires that each material/purchase have a snapshot image to be taken while the material is being weighed. Nexus does this automatically, unlike other systems, your employees won't have to click any buttons or do anything manually to capture images.

Taking Photographs of Customers Faces:

New Jersey does not require facial photographs. However, it is always a good idea for law enforcement. Nexus does this automatically, unlike other systems, your employees won't have to click any buttons or do anything manually to capture images.

Notify Law Enforcement:

New Jersey does not require law enforcement notification.

NMVTIS Reporting:

ALL STATES, not just New Jersey are required to report vehicle purchases to NMVTIS through services like Add123.com or Nexus' integrated reporting system. Failure to report vehicles results in a $1,500 fine PER VEHICLE by the federal government. Nexus handles vehicle purchases, VIN number decoding and NMVTIS reporting automatically!

Legal Mandates

Updated January 2014

State Requirements

In order to sell scrap metal, sellers will be required to:

Allow a copy of the seller’s a driver's license or state ID card;
Sign a statement indicating that they are the owner of or are authorized to sell the metal;
Sign a statement that they have not been convicted of metal theft

Buyer’s must:

Record make, model and license plate number of sellers vehicle used to transport scrap
Keep a record of sellers name, address and date of sale
A date and time stamped photo or video of the materials being sold (to be kept on file for 5 years)
All sales tickets must have location of sale, date and time of the sale, as well as the initials of the clerk completing the sale.
- Must also show the weight, quantity and/or volume of the material.
- Must show amount paid for materials.
- Sales tickets must be signed by the seller. Seller will receive a copy of the receipt and buyer will retain a copy.

· Buyer must report purchased vehicle information to NMVTIS

· Tag and hold policies are in effect (up to 5 days)

NOTE: Please be aware of your local ordinances. Many cities and counties have additional ordinances that may not be listed here.

Keep records, certifications, registrations, etc. on site for 5 years for all purchases in excess of 100 lbs. or $50 (whichever is less).

Scrap recyclers must maintain a record of all purchases for a minimum of five years and is subject to inspection by any law enforcement at any time. There is a 5-day tag-and-hold policy when notified by law enforcement to do so.

There is pending regulation making it unlawful to purchase any metal grave markers or urns.

Links to Other Important Information for New Jersey Salvage/Recycling

Auto-Parts Salvage/Recycling